Meaning of "Sister Moon" by Sting

The lyrics of "Sister Moon" delve into themes of solitude, longing, and the search for solace. The moon serves as a symbol of guidance and comfort for the narrator. They find refuge in the moon's "blue blue shadows," using it as a hiding place from the world. The reference to "all good people asleep" suggests that the narrator feels a sense of detachment from others, as if they are the only one awake and aware of the moon's presence.

The one recurring theme in the song is the narrator's dependence on the moon. They express that without the moon, they would go "out of [their] mind." This reliance reflects a deep connection with the moon's influence, as though it provides them with stability and sanity. The repeated line "I'd go out of my mind but for you" reinforces this dependence and the significance the moon holds in their life.

In the verse mentioning a mother's embrace, the song touches on the primal connection between a child and their mother. It conveys a sense of safety and warmth that is absent in the narrator's life. The reference to their eyes being "too weak" juxtaposes their vulnerability against the moon's radiant light and strength. This contrast highlights the narrator's yearning for the emotional nourishment that they believe can only come from a mother's love, or an equivalent source of solace.

The final verse introduces the idea of a mistress, who is seemingly separate from the moon. The line "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun" suggests a comparison between the moon and the narrator's lover. It implies that the lover lacks the same transcendent qualities possessed by the moon. However, the narrator's hunger for this person motivates them and drives their actions, even if their obsession is not reciprocated. The line "And they really don't care if I do" emphasizes the narrator's understanding that neither the lover nor society cares about their howling or emotional turmoil. They are left to seek refuge and understanding within the realm of Sister Moon.

Overall, "Sister Moon" portrays a sense of desolation and longing for connection. The moon becomes a symbol of solace and guidance for the narrator, representing their search for emotional nourishment and stability in an otherwise lonely existence. The lyrics explore themes of dependency, solitude, and the power of love.